Author: Talia Noa

I was asked recently why do you write when you don’t push your writing on your book ?

I don’t write for likes or popularity or followers as has become the trend in determining a persons worth on social media of late

I write for me.

Never will I sacrifice authenticity for approval.

Early in my life I was taught to Stay true to yourself and your beliefs, and always write from the heart. To always avoid the temptation to copy others or write solely for likes and popularity.

I learnt that by prioritizing authenticity over seeking validation, you actually honor your true self and make a meaningful impact on those around you.

We are all unique and your voice and experiences give a voice and perspective to your words and that is what truly resonates with others and contributes to a genuine connection in your writing.

So keep writing even when you think no one is listening.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ~ Rumi

We all bear numerous scars on our hearts and souls. Some we acknowledge, some we hide, and others remain fresh, causing recurrent heartache and pain.

Why don’t we allow our past scars to heal? It’s because we don’t truly love ourselves.

Self-love is essential for healing, well-being, joy, self-empowerment, and creating the life you desire. You cannot find happiness if you are not at peace with yourself. Your relationship with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have.

Spiritually, turning inward lets you experience your connection with Life, God, and All That Is. Physically, every relationship you have mirrors aspects of your relationship with yourself.

Self-love is a profound dedication to your happiness. It is a continuous choice to embrace life, here and now, in your own body. It involves valuing yourself, building a meaningful relationship with yourself, and supporting your dreams with encouraging thoughts and actions.

Every person carries their own personal truth, molded by their unique experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. These individual truths are meaningful and significant to each person, reflecting the diverse ways we understand and interpret the world around us.

However, personal truths are inherently subjective and can vary greatly from one person to another.

In Islam, it is believed that amidst these numerous personal truths, there exists one ultimate and absolute truth found in Allah. This divine truth is eternal, unchanging, and transcends the limitations of individual perspectives. Allah’s truth provides a steadfast foundation in a world where personal truths can often be relative and fluctuating.

By turning to Allah, we can seek guidance, wisdom, and clarity. Through sincere devotion, prayer, and adherence to the teachings of Islam, believers are able to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and direction. In seeking Allah, we find a source of truth that is not merely personal but universal, offering a path to spiritual fulfillment and inner peace.

Before I came to Islam it’s not secret that I was pagan for over 34 years.

Leaving paganism meant I left behind allot of beliefs and celebrations.

The summer solstice was always such a joyful event watching the magnificence of the sun rise at Stonehenge. So I began digging into the Quran to discover if it held any significance and of course it does.

So Let’s talk summer solstice.

In the uk it occurred at 950pm last night.

“The Lord of the two Easts, and the Lord of the two Wests.” (Quran 55:17)

This ayat has been interpreted in various ways. One interpretation that aligns with scientific knowledge is that it refers to the two solstices: the summer solstice (21st June) and the winter solstice (21st December). These two astronomical events mark the shortest and longest days of the solar year, respectively, and represent the furthest points east and west where the sun rises and sets. So before we dismiss this as pagan event we need to realise that Allah is found in everything and this verse highlights the magnificence of Allah, who governs the entire cycle of the sun throughout the year.

Islam doesn’t require us to throw everything away but instead to look to where it originates or is associated and the rising of the sun the creation on which we live is all from the creator. So take joy and bliss from basking in the sun as this is a gift from Allah too.

My heart rests in the one truth that is Allah. I love life; it has so many twists and turns, each offering a new path to travel, lessons to learn, and knowledge to gain. I am grateful to be the type of person who doesn’t stick to one lane, but instead chooses to experience all, knowing that every path ultimately leads back to Allah. This journey is one of love, the path of the Sufi, where every step is guided by the divine truth of Allah.

This lifetime and especially the last 20 years has felt like a personal fast-track evolution. My incessant searching hasn’t been about finding a final destination, as I once thought, but rather a mission to gather as much experience and knowledge as possible, always recognizing that Allah is the ultimate truth guiding me. My soul is not tied to any set path except the one that leads to Him. The more I let go of outdated ways and teachings, the clearer my journey becomes, revealing Allah’s wisdom in every turn. The journey is surprising and yet so familiar.

When faced with our own mortality, we can assess life like an eagle from above, seeing everything with clarity and cutting away all that no longer serves us. What truly matters becomes crystal clear, like water on a sunny day, revealing Allah’s guidance and purpose in our lives.

There is one absolute truth in my life—Allah. Following His truth is essential, and to not follow it would be living a lie. Don’t be bothered by others’ opinions or entertain them. Be true, be you, and trust in Allah. Walk the path of love, the path of the Sufi.

Having pure intentions solely for Allah doesn’t require us to justify ourselves to others. People may try to impose their own intentions or have hidden agendas. It’s essential to stay true to our pure selves and continue bringing our light into the world. By focusing on sincerity and righteousness, we align with Allah’s guidance and positively impact those around us. Letting go of the need for external validation keeps our intentions genuine, fostering a deeper connection with our faith and purpose.

I often turn my face to the stars and to Allah, sharing my innermost feelings and pondering deeper questions. The stars, mentioned thirteen times in the Holy Quran, are likened to the sun due to their illuminating nature in the night sky. They serve as guides for us.

Allah is the One who has set out the stars for us, so we may guide ourselves by them through the darkness of the land and sea. “And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darknesses of the land and sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know” (Quran 6:97).

This Ayat conveys that just as the stars help us find the right path at night, reflecting on this impeccable sign of Allah can guide us to the ‘right path’ in life. By contemplating the stars, we can distinguish between right and wrong, leading us to a deeper understanding of Allah’s guidance and a more righteous path.

The world doesn’t become a better place by chance; it improves through intentional change. This change begins within each of us, in the realm of our hearts. To make a positive impact, we must cleanse our hearts of impurities with sincere faith in Allah. By fostering honesty, integrity, and steadfastness in both hard and good times, we align our actions with our inner values.

We must turn our hearts to Allah, for only then will we gain true victory. Always seeking knowledge and being sincere in our repentance are crucial steps in this journey. Even when the world turns against us, we must never lose hope in Allah, remembering His promise in the Quran: “So do not lose heart or despair, for you will be superior if you are true believers” (Quran 3:139).

Personal transformation, rooted in faith and sincerity, sets off a ripple effect, leading to a better, more just world. Through this internal change, we can collectively create a brighter future.

As I wrote this Into my journal tonight I began thinking and saying over and over “the unseen world of our hearts determines our actions which map out the course of the world” what did I even mean?

For me it brought to mind something I learnt during my psychology degree about how that our inner thoughts and emotions shape our behaviors, which in turn shape the world around us, like one stone creating the ripple effect.

This aligns with the Quranic verse “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Quran 13:11).
It highlights that for societal change to occur, individuals must first transform their inner selves. Positive inner states lead to positive actions, creating a ripple effect that can improve the broader community.

So when we want to see a change either in our communities or in the larger world we need to look within first

Every moment spent complaining is a moment wasted, revealing our dissatisfaction with Allah’s plan. Instead of dwelling on grievances, let’s focus on gratitude and the lessons learned from past experiences. By shifting our perspective and acknowledging Allah’s blessings, we cultivate a sense of thankfulness.

In our prayers too for love and companionship, let’s approach with humility, accepting Allah’s will. Let’s resist the urge to cling to rigid expectations and trust in His wisdom. Even when things don’t go as expected, let’s accept Allah’s plan with gratitude, knowing that His guidance is always present.